"Successful Aging:"

Abstract

This article examines the "successful aging" paradigm in gerontology and the problems it poses when applied to the growing population of people who are aging with substantial physical disabilities. We review Rowe and Kahn's (1998) three characteristics of successful aging-low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functioning, and active engagement with life-and explore their relevance and limitations when applied to people with disabilities. We demonstrate how both the term successful aging and its specific dimensions can serve to further stigmatize and marginalize people who, by virtue of their disabilities, may not meet narrowly defined criteria for "aging well." The article concludes by arguing for models that accent a broader ecological approach, one that stresses environmental accommodations and policy changes, and acknowledges that gains as well as losses are a critical part of the aging process. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.